US20110001324A1 - System and Method for Gas Turbine Chilled Water Storage Discharge Control and/or Gas Turbine Output Control - Google Patents
System and Method for Gas Turbine Chilled Water Storage Discharge Control and/or Gas Turbine Output Control Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20110001324A1 US20110001324A1 US12/822,016 US82201610A US2011001324A1 US 20110001324 A1 US20110001324 A1 US 20110001324A1 US 82201610 A US82201610 A US 82201610A US 2011001324 A1 US2011001324 A1 US 2011001324A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- chilled water
- storage tank
- water storage
- gas turbine
- variable speed
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
- F02C—GAS-TURBINE PLANTS; AIR INTAKES FOR JET-PROPULSION PLANTS; CONTROLLING FUEL SUPPLY IN AIR-BREATHING JET-PROPULSION PLANTS
- F02C7/00—Features, components parts, details or accessories, not provided for in, or of interest apart form groups F02C1/00 - F02C6/00; Air intakes for jet-propulsion plants
- F02C7/12—Cooling of plants
- F02C7/14—Cooling of plants of fluids in the plant, e.g. lubricant or fuel
- F02C7/141—Cooling of plants of fluids in the plant, e.g. lubricant or fuel of working fluid
- F02C7/143—Cooling of plants of fluids in the plant, e.g. lubricant or fuel of working fluid before or between the compressor stages
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F05—INDEXING SCHEMES RELATING TO ENGINES OR PUMPS IN VARIOUS SUBCLASSES OF CLASSES F01-F04
- F05D—INDEXING SCHEME FOR ASPECTS RELATING TO NON-POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES OR ENGINES, GAS-TURBINES OR JET-PROPULSION PLANTS
- F05D2270/00—Control
- F05D2270/01—Purpose of the control system
- F05D2270/05—Purpose of the control system to affect the output of the engine
- F05D2270/053—Explicitly mentioned power
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T137/00—Fluid handling
- Y10T137/0536—Highspeed fluid intake means [e.g., jet engine intake]
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T137/00—Fluid handling
- Y10T137/0536—Highspeed fluid intake means [e.g., jet engine intake]
- Y10T137/0645—With condition responsive control means
Definitions
- the present invention relates to energy production, and more particularly, to a system and method for storing and delivering chilled water to an air inlet for energy generating equipment.
- An increasing number of power generation plants are being designed and constructed to meet the ever increasing demand for electrical power.
- One type of power plant uses gas turbines to generate electricity.
- Cooling causes the air to have a higher density, thereby creating a higher mass flow rate through the turbine. The higher the mass flow rate through the turbine, the more power the turbine produces. Cooling the turbine inlet air temperature also increases the turbine's efficiency.
- a number of systems can be used to chill the inlet air to a gas turbine.
- One such system uses a chiller to chill water that is then pumped through a coil. The inlet air is passed over the coil to cool the air.
- Some plants generate chilled water concurrently with its use. That is, the chilled water is conveyed directly from the chiller to the coil to cool the air at the air inlet to the gas turbine.
- cool water may be produced at night when electricity demand is relatively low, and thus less expensive, and used during the day when electricity demand is relatively high, and thus more expensive.
- a chilled water storage tank may be used, wherein the storage tank is sized to provide a sufficient quantity of chilled water for gas turbine operations during peak demand hours.
- At least one embodiment of the one or more present inventions includes use of a controller and discharge pumps for providing variable speed drive pumping of chilled water from a chilled water storage tank to coils operatively associated with the air inlet of a gas turbine used to generate electricity.
- a controller and discharge pumps for providing variable speed drive pumping of chilled water from a chilled water storage tank to coils operatively associated with the air inlet of a gas turbine used to generate electricity.
- the chilled water is stored in a tank and is then used to facilitate chilling of the inlet air to the gas turbines during high-demand peak hours when the ambient air temperature is high and ambient air quality is generally poorest.
- the chilled water system is similar to a battery or pumped storage system where power is generated during off-peak, low-cost hours, stored, and later used at peak-demand to the thermal advantage of the plant and the grid.
- operably associated refers to components that are linked together in operable fashion, and encompasses embodiments in which components are linked directly, as well as embodiments in which additional components are placed between the two linked components.
- “Operably associated” components can be “fluidly associated.” “Fluidly associated” or “in fluid communication” refers to components that are linked together such that fluid can be transported between them. “Fluidly associated” can also encompass embodiments in which additional components are disposed between the two fluidly associated components, as well as components that are directly connected. Fluidly associated components can include components that do not contact fluid, but contact other components to manipulate the system (e.g., a pump that pumps a fluid through piping).
- each of the expressions “at least one of A, B and C,” “at least one of A, B, or C,” “one or more of A, B, and C,” “one or more of A, B, or C” and “A, B, and/or C” means A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, or A, B and C together.
- FIG. 1 is a schematic drawing that includes elements of at least one embodiment described herein;
- FIG. 2 is a side representation of a chilled water storage tank in accordance with at least one embodiment described herein;
- FIG. 3 is a schematic drawing of the embodiment of FIG. 1 with the system in charging mode, wherein elements used in the charging mode are depicted as solid lines and dashed lines represent elements not being used in the charging mode;
- FIG. 4 is a schematic drawing of the embodiment of FIG. 1 with the system in discharging mode, wherein elements used in the discharging mode are depicted as solid lines and dashed lines represent elements not being used in the discharging mode;
- FIG. 5 is a box diagram of elements of the control system for one or more embodiments described herein, the control system including a computer associated with a variety of system elements;
- FIG. 6 is a schematic drawing that includes elements of another embodiment described herein;
- FIG. 7 is a schematic drawing that includes elements of another embodiment described herein;
- FIG. 8 is a schematic drawing that includes elements of yet another embodiment described herein;
- FIG. 9 is a drawing that includes elements of an embodiment of a leak detection system described herein.
- FIG. 10 is a diagram showing steps associated with an embodiment described herein.
- One or more embodiments described herein are directed to a system and/or method for discharging cool water from a chilled water storage tank to a coil for chilling inlet air fed to a gas turbine.
- one or more embodiments described herein may be used to help meet variable load conditions needed to meet the power demand within the electrical power grid.
- the gas turbine power generation system 100 includes one or more gas turbines 104 .
- the gas turbines include an air inlet 108 .
- air filters may be used at the air inlet 108 .
- the air inlet further includes one or more coils 112 , wherein air is passed over the coils 112 to change the temperature of the inlet air.
- one or more chillers 116 may be used to generate chilled water for passing through the coils 112 .
- the chilled water may be conveyed directly to the coils 112 at the air inlet 108 of the turbines 104 .
- the chillers 116 may be used to chill water that is first conveyed to at least one storage vessel, such as a chilled water storage tank 120 shown in FIG. 1 .
- the chillers 116 include a pump for pumping the water to and from the chilled water storage tank 120 .
- a typical operation cycle for a chilled water storage system of a gas turbine power plant includes a first period for generating cold water (also referred to herein as “charging”), and a second period for using the cold water (also referred to herein as “discharging”).
- Charging typically occurs during off-peak electrical demand hours, such as at night time and during the morning, to chill water and convey the chilled water via piping 124 to the chilled water storage tank 120 .
- Discharging typically occurs during peak-demand hours, such as during the afternoon and early evening, and includes use of one or more discharge pumps 128 to pump water from near the bottom of the chilled water storage tank 120 to the coils 112 associated with the air inlets 108 of the gas turbines 104 , and then back to the top of the chilled water storage tank 120 .
- the charging and discharging portions of the operation cycle are discussed in further detail below.
- relatively warm water is pumped out of the chilled water storage tank 120 and cold water is pumped into the chilled water storage tank 120 .
- the chilled water system is a closed system wherein water within the chilled water storage tank 120 and piping 124 is continuously recycled. Accordingly, relatively warm water is pumped from the chilled water storage tank 120 to the chillers 116 via top diffuser piping 204 located near the top of the chilled water storage tank 120 .
- chilled water from the chillers 116 enters the chilled water storage tank 120 near the bottom of the chilled water storage tank 120 via bottom diffuser piping 208 .
- the temperature of chilled water pumped from the chillers 116 to the chilled water storage tank 120 may be approximately 40 to 43° F.
- the diffuser piping within the chilled water storage tank 120 including the top diffuser piping 204 and the bottom diffuser piping 208 , is typically slotted piping configured in a ring or octagonal layout and serves to disperse water within the tank 120 to mitigate mixing of water within the tank 120 . That is, the diffuser piping 204 and 208 allows water to enter and exit the chilled water storage tank 120 at relatively low velocities.
- the chilled water storage tank 120 contains water having an average temperature that is less than the average temperature of the water held in the tank 120 at the beginning of the charging mode.
- cold water is pumped out of the chilled water storage tank 120 to the coils 112 at the air inlets 108 of the gas turbines 104 , and warm water is pumped from the coils 112 back into the chilled water storage tank 120 .
- relatively cold water is pumped from the chilled water storage tank 120 to the coils 112 via the bottom diffuser piping 208 located near the bottom of the chilled water storage tank 120 .
- the temperature of chilled water pumped from the chilled water storage tank 120 to the coils 112 may be approximately 40 to 45° F.
- the temperature of water pumped from the downstream end of the coils 112 to the chilled water storage tank 120 may be approximately 55 to 60° F.
- the chilled water storage tank 120 contains water having an average temperature that is greater than the average temperature of the water held in the tank 120 at the beginning of the discharging mode.
- the discharge pumps 128 are controlled by a variable speed drive controller 132 that may be further controlled by a computer 500 . More particularly, the variable speed drive controller 132 is used to slowly start the discharge pumps 128 .
- the variable speed drive controller 132 (also known as a variable frequency drive) is a system for controlling the rotational speed of a pump, such as the discharge pumps 128 , by adjusting the frequency of the electrical power supplied to the motors of the pump to which it controls, again, such as the discharge pumps 128 . By slowly starting the discharge pumps 128 , the vertical temperature gradient within the chilled water storage tank 120 is substantially maintained.
- the discharge pumps 128 are both started (and stopped) relatively slowly, such as over a period of approximately 15 seconds.
- the thermocline having a vertical dimension Ht, existing within the chilled water storage tank 120 is substantially preserved, thereby allowing the cycling of chilled water from the bottom of the chilled water storage tank 120 , to the coils 112 , and then back to the top of the chilled water storage tank 120 without significantly mixing the water within the chilled water storage tank 120 .
- “without significantly mixing” means that a measurable temperature gradient exists from the top to the bottom of the chilled water storage tank 120 with the presence of a thermocline, at least during some period of time of the operation cycle for the chilled water storage system, between the top and bottom of the tank 120 .
- thermocline means a relatively thin zone or layer of water having a vertical dimension of “Ht” as compared to the height of the water “Hw” in the chilled water storage tank 120 , that is characterized by having a temperature variance that is greater than other zones within the chilled water storage tank 120 .
- the vertical location of the thermocline within the tank 120 will vary depending on the particular point in the charging or discharging cycle. At the beginning of the charging cycle, for example, the thermocline will be closer to the bottom of the chilled water storage tank 120 , with a relatively small volume of cooler water below and a relatively large volume of warmer water above.
- thermocline will move vertically upwards in the chilled water storage tank 120 until, at the end of the charging cycle, the thermocline will be very close to the top of the chilled water storage tank 120 .
- the reverse is true during the discharging cycle.
- the variable speed drive controller 132 may include a computer processor.
- the electrical controller may be the PUMPSMART® system provided by ITT Corporation of White Plains, N.Y. Instructions provided to the discharge pumps 128 via the variable speed drive controller 132 may be sent via wireless or wired connection and further controlled by computer 500 .
- the computer 500 may further monitor and control other elements associated with the gas turbine power generation system 100 , including monitoring and control of the one or more gas turbines 104 .
- the computer may also monitor and control the air inlet 108 , as well as the monitoring information gathered from the tank temperature sensors “T” associated with the chilled water storage tank 120 .
- tank temperature sensors “T” may be located at frequent height intervals within the chilled water storage tank 120 to measure temperatures of the water within the tank 120 .
- the computer 500 may also be used to monitor electricity demand through a grid demand module 504 .
- the computer 500 may adjust the output of the gas turbines 104 by changing the flow of chilled water to the air inlet 108 through instructions to the variable speed drive control 132 that controls the discharge pumps 128 .
- Computer 500 may also be used to control the chillers 116 , to include the optional use of variable speed drive control 132 for chiller pumps associated with the chillers 116 when charging the chilled water storage tank 120 .
- additional components of a gas turbine power plant incorporating one or more embodiments described herein may also be monitored by computer 500 .
- a gas turbine power generation system 600 uses variable speed pump controllers 132 with the chillers 116 to mitigate disturbing the temperature profile within the chilled water storage tank 120 . More specifically, while the discharge pumps 128 may be used to limit disturbance of the vertical temperature gradient within the chilled water storage tank 120 during discharging, variable speed drive pump controllers 132 can also be used to slowly start and stop the pumps associated with the chillers 116 .
- a gas turbine power generation system 700 includes features in the event of maintenance to the discharge pumps 128 and/or the chilled water storage tank 120 , or for any reason in which the chilled water storage tank 120 is not in use. For example, during certain times, such as certain seasons or even hours of the day, use of only the chillers 116 may be desired.
- variable speed drive pump controllers 132 can be connected to pumps associated with the chillers 116 and can be used to “tune” or adjust the output load of the gas turbines 104 , as described further below.
- gas turbine power generation system 800 is shown.
- some facilities do not include a chilled water storage tank 120 ; however, they do operate with one or more chillers 116 . That is, depending upon the location of a specific gas turbine facility, local/regional energy demand, physical site constraints, financial constraints, climatic conditions, and/or other factors, the operation and use of a chilled water storage tank 120 may not be feasible.
- variable speed drive pump controllers can still be used advantageously to “tune” or adjust the output of the gas turbines. As shown in FIG.
- variable speed drive pump controllers 132 can be operably connected to pumps associated with the chillers 116 , where variable speed drive pumping can be used to tune the output load of the gas turbines 104 . Where a plurality of chillers 116 are used, they may be operated in parallel or in series. Other embodiments described herein may also utilize chillers 116 operated in parallel or in series, depending upon the climate and ambient conditions.
- the speed with which the discharge pumps 128 are operated is tied to the rate of temperature change at the air inlet 108 of the gas turbines 104 . More particularly, the flow rate of chilled water provided by the discharge pumps 128 is adjusted to prevent a relatively quick change in the temperature of the air at the air inlet 108 , thereby limiting thermal stress or combustion imbalance or instability in the gas turbines 104 . Alternatively, the flow rate of chilled water provided by the discharge pumps 128 is adjusted to suit the variable load conditions. Here, the flow rate of the chilled water from the discharge pumps 128 is adjusted to accommodate the variable load conditions necessary to match the power demand.
- Factors involved in modifying the flow rate of the chilled water include the temperature of the chilled water being provided to the turbines 104 , the temperature of the ambient air at the air inlet 108 , and the load needed to meet the power demand.
- the efficiency of the gas turbines 104 is influenced, thereby changing the load conditions provided by the gas turbines.
- a leak detection system 900 is employed to detect leakage of chilled water through one or more of the coils 112 . More specifically, a condensate/leakage collection drain 904 is located in fluidic communication with a condensate/leakage collection surface 908 situated below the coils 112 . If the coils 112 leak, fluid from the coils 112 gravity flows from the condensate/leakage collection drain 904 to a condensate/leakage detection sump 912 , wherein the fluid is sensed by a leakage detection sensor device 916 .
- the leakage detection sensor 916 may comprise a device for sensing electrical conductivity associated with the chilled water that collects at the leakage collection location.
- the leakage detection sensor 916 may incorporate optical elements.
- One type of optics-related leak detector uses a TRASAR® Xe-2 Controller having a xenon flashlamp.
- the TRASAR® Xe-2 Controller is made by Nalco Company of Naperville, Ill.
- a leak detection controller 920 is used to communicate results of the leak detection sensing to alert facility personnel, such as by providing information to computer 500 . It is to be understood that other types of leak detectors may be used in accordance with the present embodiment, including, but not limited to, other types of optical leak sensors, infrared sensors, and temperature sensors.
- Water collected in the drain 904 associated with the coils 112 that is generated as condensate off of the coils 112 can be recycled within the facility.
- a leak is detected by leak detection controller 920 because of, for example, detection resulting from a leakage detection sensor 916 sensing electrical conductivity associated with the chilled water, and/or by using a detector to sense at least one detectable additive yielding a detectable fluorescent signal, such as a TRASAR® brand additive by Nalco Company added to the water within the chilled water system, the water can be appropriately handled and the coils 112 further investigated for a leak and repaired.
- a method 1000 for operating a chilled water storage system for a gas turbine power plant includes providing a gas turbine 104 , an air inlet 108 with coil 112 , a chilled water storage tank 120 , a chiller (with pump) 116 , a discharge pump 128 and conveyance piping 124 .
- the method 1000 further includes providing a variable speed drive control 132 for the discharge pump 128 .
- the chilled water storage tank 120 and the conveyance piping 124 are filled with water.
- step 1016 relatively warm water is pumped from the chilled water storage tank 120 to the chiller 116 , with cold water then pumped back to the chilled water storage tank 120 .
- the variable speed drive control 132 is instructed to slowly start the discharge pump 128 .
- the variable speed drive control 132 is instructed to adjust the flow rate of the discharge pump 128 .
- Step 1024 may optionally be performed to tune the output of electrical power generated by the gas turbine 104 to match demand needs.
- the energy stored within the chilled water storage tank 120 in the form of chilled water is metered from the chilled water storage tank 120 to the coil 112 by the variable speed drive control 132 and discharge pump 128 to achieve output/electricity generation and efficiency goals.
- the variable speed drive control 132 is instructed to stop the discharge pump 128 .
- Steps 1016 though 1028 are typically repeated on a daily basis, and thus constitute a method within the larger method 1000 .
- the rate of stopping the discharge pump 128 may vary from the rate of starting the discharge pump 128 . Not all of the steps above are necessarily required. For example, the method may not include step 1024 for adjusting the flow rate of the discharge pump 128 because the output of the gas turbine 104 may not need to be tuned.
- steps for one or more method embodiments may include instructing variable speed drive control 132 associated with the chillers 116 , wherein such instructions could pertain to flow rates associated with filling the chilled water storage tank 120 or instructions for flow rates for the chillers 116 to directly provide the coils 112 with chilled water at different rates to influence the output of the gas turbine 104 .
- Yet additional and/or alternate steps to one or more method embodiments may include monitoring of the leakage detection sensor 916 associated with detection of water leakage from the coils 112 .
- a gas turbine facility with an approximately 4,000,000 gallon chilled water storage tank utilizes multiple 125 hp centrifugal discharge pumps controlled by PUMPSMART® brand electrical controls to achieve variable speed drive control of the discharge pumps.
- the discharge pumps are engaged at an initial slow speed and increased with time, thereby mitigating mixing of water within the chilled water storage tank.
- the insulated above-ground 4,000,000 gallon chilled water storage tank was approximately 64 feet tall with an inside diameter of approximately 105 feet.
- the operating height of water Hw in the chilled water storage tank varied between about 62.5 feet and 63.5 feet, with the height variance being attributable to changes in the height of water within the chilled water storage tank when transitioning between the recharge and discharge modes.
- thermocline having a vertical height Ht of approximately 4 to 6 ft is present within the insulated above-ground 4,000,000 gallon chilled water storage tank during at least portions of the discharge cycle.
- Diffuser piping provides laminar flow with Reynold's Numbers of approximately 2634 for an inner ring of the diffuser piping and approximately 1521 for an outer ring of the diffuser piping.
- two discharge pumps operate at a combined flow rate of approximately 11,000 gpm when providing chilled water to the coils at air inlets associated with two MITSUBISHI brand, ‘F’ Class natural gas tired combustion turbine/generators.
- a leakage detection system is used to monitor whether the coils have leaked chilled water.
- the leakage detection system includes a TRASAR® Xe-2 Controller for sensing TRASAR® brand additive within the water used in the chilled water system.
- the one or more present inventions include components, methods, processes, systems and/or apparatus substantially as depicted and described herein, including various embodiments, subcombinations, and subsets thereof. Those of skill in the art will understand how to make and use the present invention after understanding the present disclosure.
- the present invention in various embodiments, includes providing devices and processes in the absence of items not depicted and/or described herein or in various embodiments hereof, including in the absence of such items as may have been used in previous devices or processes (e.g., for improving performance, achieving ease and/or reducing cost of implementation).
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Management, Administration, Business Operations System, And Electronic Commerce (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/222,800 filed on Jul. 2, 2009, which is expressly incorporated herein by reference.
- The present invention relates to energy production, and more particularly, to a system and method for storing and delivering chilled water to an air inlet for energy generating equipment.
- An increasing number of power generation plants are being designed and constructed to meet the ever increasing demand for electrical power. One type of power plant uses gas turbines to generate electricity.
- One way of increasing the power output of a gas turbine is to cool the inlet air fed to the gas turbine. Cooling causes the air to have a higher density, thereby creating a higher mass flow rate through the turbine. The higher the mass flow rate through the turbine, the more power the turbine produces. Cooling the turbine inlet air temperature also increases the turbine's efficiency.
- A number of systems can be used to chill the inlet air to a gas turbine. One such system uses a chiller to chill water that is then pumped through a coil. The inlet air is passed over the coil to cool the air. Some plants generate chilled water concurrently with its use. That is, the chilled water is conveyed directly from the chiller to the coil to cool the air at the air inlet to the gas turbine. Alternatively, cool water may be produced at night when electricity demand is relatively low, and thus less expensive, and used during the day when electricity demand is relatively high, and thus more expensive. To store the cool water generated at night, a chilled water storage tank may be used, wherein the storage tank is sized to provide a sufficient quantity of chilled water for gas turbine operations during peak demand hours.
- One problem associated with use of a chilled water storage tank is mixing of water within the tank such that the temperature variation of water within the tank is not maintained. That is, it is desirable to maintain variation of water temperatures in the storage tank so that colder water can be used in preference to water having a higher temperature if mixing of the water occurred. Thus, there is need for improving the stratification of cold water from warm water within the chilled water storage tank, particularly while discharging from the chilled water storage tank.
- Another problem with energy production is that electricity providers are faced with variable demand. More particularly, if power generation does not immediately respond to closely match the electrical demand, then current fluctuations as well as surges and/or outages can occur with detrimental results. Accordingly, there is a need for methods and systems that assist in quickly changing power generation to match electrical demand.
- Yet another problem exists for determining whether coils carrying cooling liquid, such as chilled water, are leaking. If the coils are leaking, the addition of the liquid vapors to the air that feeds the gas turbine could detrimentally influence one or more elements associated with the gas turbines. Accordingly, there is a need for methods and systems that assist in monitoring leakage of liquid from the coils associated with the air inlets to the gas turbines. The present disclosure addresses these and other needs.
- It is to be understood that the present invention includes a variety of different versions or embodiments, and this Summary is not meant to be limiting or all-inclusive. This Summary provides some general descriptions of some of the embodiments, but may also include some more specific descriptions of other embodiments.
- At least one embodiment of the one or more present inventions includes use of a controller and discharge pumps for providing variable speed drive pumping of chilled water from a chilled water storage tank to coils operatively associated with the air inlet of a gas turbine used to generate electricity. Such an approach enables a power plant to create chilled water during the low-demand off-peak hours from multiple generation resources, including fossil fuels and renewables, when there is often surplus energy available. The chilled water is stored in a tank and is then used to facilitate chilling of the inlet air to the gas turbines during high-demand peak hours when the ambient air temperature is high and ambient air quality is generally poorest. This makes the gas turbines more efficient and allows them to generate more electricity at peak-demand with less fuel and fewer carbon emissions than the plant would otherwise be capable. Conceptually, the chilled water system is similar to a battery or pumped storage system where power is generated during off-peak, low-cost hours, stored, and later used at peak-demand to the thermal advantage of the plant and the grid.
- Various components are referred to herein as “operably associated.” As used herein, “operably associated” refers to components that are linked together in operable fashion, and encompasses embodiments in which components are linked directly, as well as embodiments in which additional components are placed between the two linked components. “Operably associated” components can be “fluidly associated.” “Fluidly associated” or “in fluid communication” refers to components that are linked together such that fluid can be transported between them. “Fluidly associated” can also encompass embodiments in which additional components are disposed between the two fluidly associated components, as well as components that are directly connected. Fluidly associated components can include components that do not contact fluid, but contact other components to manipulate the system (e.g., a pump that pumps a fluid through piping).
- As used herein, “at least one,” “one or more,” and “and/or” are open-ended expressions that are both conjunctive and disjunctive in operation. For example, each of the expressions “at least one of A, B and C,” “at least one of A, B, or C,” “one or more of A, B, and C,” “one or more of A, B, or C” and “A, B, and/or C” means A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, or A, B and C together.
- Various embodiments of the present inventions are set forth in the attached figures and in the Detailed Description as provided herein and as embodied by the claims. It should be understood, however, that this Summary does not contain all of the aspects and embodiments of the one or more present inventions, is not meant to be limiting or restrictive in any manner, and that the invention(s) as disclosed herein is/are understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to encompass obvious improvements and modifications thereto.
- Additional advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent from the following discussion, particularly when taken together with the accompanying drawings.
- To further clarify the above and other advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention is rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention is described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:
-
FIG. 1 is a schematic drawing that includes elements of at least one embodiment described herein; -
FIG. 2 is a side representation of a chilled water storage tank in accordance with at least one embodiment described herein; -
FIG. 3 is a schematic drawing of the embodiment ofFIG. 1 with the system in charging mode, wherein elements used in the charging mode are depicted as solid lines and dashed lines represent elements not being used in the charging mode; -
FIG. 4 is a schematic drawing of the embodiment ofFIG. 1 with the system in discharging mode, wherein elements used in the discharging mode are depicted as solid lines and dashed lines represent elements not being used in the discharging mode; -
FIG. 5 is a box diagram of elements of the control system for one or more embodiments described herein, the control system including a computer associated with a variety of system elements; -
FIG. 6 is a schematic drawing that includes elements of another embodiment described herein; -
FIG. 7 is a schematic drawing that includes elements of another embodiment described herein; -
FIG. 8 is a schematic drawing that includes elements of yet another embodiment described herein; -
FIG. 9 is a drawing that includes elements of an embodiment of a leak detection system described herein; and -
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing steps associated with an embodiment described herein. - The drawings are not to scale.
- One or more embodiments described herein are directed to a system and/or method for discharging cool water from a chilled water storage tank to a coil for chilling inlet air fed to a gas turbine. In addition, one or more embodiments described herein may be used to help meet variable load conditions needed to meet the power demand within the electrical power grid.
- Referring now to
FIG. 1 , and in accordance with at least one embodiment of the one or more present inventions, a gas turbinepower generation system 100 is shown. The gas turbinepower generation system 100 includes one ormore gas turbines 104. The gas turbines include anair inlet 108. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, air filters may be used at theair inlet 108. The air inlet further includes one ormore coils 112, wherein air is passed over thecoils 112 to change the temperature of the inlet air. - Referring still to
FIG. 1 , one ormore chillers 116 may be used to generate chilled water for passing through thecoils 112. The chilled water may be conveyed directly to thecoils 112 at theair inlet 108 of theturbines 104. Alternatively, thechillers 116 may be used to chill water that is first conveyed to at least one storage vessel, such as a chilledwater storage tank 120 shown inFIG. 1 . In at least one embodiment, thechillers 116 include a pump for pumping the water to and from the chilledwater storage tank 120. - By way of example and not limitation, a typical operation cycle for a chilled water storage system of a gas turbine power plant includes a first period for generating cold water (also referred to herein as “charging”), and a second period for using the cold water (also referred to herein as “discharging”). Charging typically occurs during off-peak electrical demand hours, such as at night time and during the morning, to chill water and convey the chilled water via piping 124 to the chilled
water storage tank 120. Discharging typically occurs during peak-demand hours, such as during the afternoon and early evening, and includes use of one or more discharge pumps 128 to pump water from near the bottom of the chilledwater storage tank 120 to thecoils 112 associated with theair inlets 108 of thegas turbines 104, and then back to the top of the chilledwater storage tank 120. The charging and discharging portions of the operation cycle are discussed in further detail below. - During daily operation of the
gas turbines 104, periods of time may pass wherein water is not being pumped from the chilledwater storage tank 120 to either thecoils 112 or thechillers 116. During such periods, the water within the chilledwater storage tank 120 is not being disturbed by pumping. However, once pumping is started, then the influences (e.g., surging, water hammer, and mixing) within the chilledwater storage tank 120 caused by turning on the pumps can occur, and the use the variable speed drive pumping system described herein is designed to mitigate disturbances to the temperature gradient and thermocline residing within the chilledwater storage tank 120. - With reference now to
FIGS. 2 and 3 , during the charging portion of the operation cycle, relatively warm water is pumped out of the chilledwater storage tank 120 and cold water is pumped into the chilledwater storage tank 120. More particularly, the chilled water system is a closed system wherein water within the chilledwater storage tank 120 and piping 124 is continuously recycled. Accordingly, relatively warm water is pumped from the chilledwater storage tank 120 to thechillers 116 via top diffuser piping 204 located near the top of the chilledwater storage tank 120. During charging, chilled water from thechillers 116 enters the chilledwater storage tank 120 near the bottom of the chilledwater storage tank 120 via bottom diffuser piping 208. By way of example and not limitation, the temperature of chilled water pumped from thechillers 116 to the chilledwater storage tank 120 may be approximately 40 to 43° F. The diffuser piping within the chilledwater storage tank 120, including the top diffuser piping 204 and the bottom diffuser piping 208, is typically slotted piping configured in a ring or octagonal layout and serves to disperse water within thetank 120 to mitigate mixing of water within thetank 120. That is, the diffuser piping 204 and 208 allows water to enter and exit the chilledwater storage tank 120 at relatively low velocities. At the end of the charging mode, the chilledwater storage tank 120 contains water having an average temperature that is less than the average temperature of the water held in thetank 120 at the beginning of the charging mode. - Referring now to
FIGS. 2 and 4 , during the discharging portion of the operation cycle, cold water is pumped out of the chilledwater storage tank 120 to thecoils 112 at theair inlets 108 of thegas turbines 104, and warm water is pumped from thecoils 112 back into the chilledwater storage tank 120. More particularly, relatively cold water is pumped from the chilledwater storage tank 120 to thecoils 112 via the bottom diffuser piping 208 located near the bottom of the chilledwater storage tank 120. By way of example and not limitation, the temperature of chilled water pumped from the chilledwater storage tank 120 to thecoils 112 may be approximately 40 to 45° F. Then after cooling the inlet air, relatively warm water from the downstream end of thecoils 112 returns to the chilledwater storage tank 120 near the top of the chilledwater storage tank 120 via top diffuser piping 204. By way of example and not limitation, the temperature of water pumped from the downstream end of thecoils 112 to the chilledwater storage tank 120 may be approximately 55 to 60° F. At the end of the discharging mode, the chilledwater storage tank 120 contains water having an average temperature that is greater than the average temperature of the water held in thetank 120 at the beginning of the discharging mode. - With reference now to
FIG. 5 , in at least one embodiment, the discharge pumps 128 are controlled by a variablespeed drive controller 132 that may be further controlled by acomputer 500. More particularly, the variablespeed drive controller 132 is used to slowly start the discharge pumps 128. The variable speed drive controller 132 (also known as a variable frequency drive) is a system for controlling the rotational speed of a pump, such as the discharge pumps 128, by adjusting the frequency of the electrical power supplied to the motors of the pump to which it controls, again, such as the discharge pumps 128. By slowly starting the discharge pumps 128, the vertical temperature gradient within the chilledwater storage tank 120 is substantially maintained. By way of example and not limitation, the discharge pumps 128 are both started (and stopped) relatively slowly, such as over a period of approximately 15 seconds. Thus, the thermocline, having a vertical dimension Ht, existing within the chilledwater storage tank 120 is substantially preserved, thereby allowing the cycling of chilled water from the bottom of the chilledwater storage tank 120, to thecoils 112, and then back to the top of the chilledwater storage tank 120 without significantly mixing the water within the chilledwater storage tank 120. As used herein, “without significantly mixing” means that a measurable temperature gradient exists from the top to the bottom of the chilledwater storage tank 120 with the presence of a thermocline, at least during some period of time of the operation cycle for the chilled water storage system, between the top and bottom of thetank 120. As used herein, “thermocline” means a relatively thin zone or layer of water having a vertical dimension of “Ht” as compared to the height of the water “Hw” in the chilledwater storage tank 120, that is characterized by having a temperature variance that is greater than other zones within the chilledwater storage tank 120. Note the vertical location of the thermocline within thetank 120 will vary depending on the particular point in the charging or discharging cycle. At the beginning of the charging cycle, for example, the thermocline will be closer to the bottom of the chilledwater storage tank 120, with a relatively small volume of cooler water below and a relatively large volume of warmer water above. As the charging cycle progresses, the thermocline will move vertically upwards in the chilledwater storage tank 120 until, at the end of the charging cycle, the thermocline will be very close to the top of the chilledwater storage tank 120. The reverse is true during the discharging cycle. - The variable
speed drive controller 132 may include a computer processor. By way of example and not limitation, the electrical controller may be the PUMPSMART® system provided by ITT Corporation of White Plains, N.Y. Instructions provided to the discharge pumps 128 via the variablespeed drive controller 132 may be sent via wireless or wired connection and further controlled bycomputer 500. - Referring still to
FIG. 5 , in addition to providing instructions to the variablespeed drive control 132 associated with the discharge pumps 128, thecomputer 500 may further monitor and control other elements associated with the gas turbinepower generation system 100, including monitoring and control of the one ormore gas turbines 104. The computer may also monitor and control theair inlet 108, as well as the monitoring information gathered from the tank temperature sensors “T” associated with the chilledwater storage tank 120. As best seen inFIG. 2 , tank temperature sensors “T” may be located at frequent height intervals within the chilledwater storage tank 120 to measure temperatures of the water within thetank 120. Thecomputer 500 may also be used to monitor electricity demand through agrid demand module 504. Here, thecomputer 500 may adjust the output of thegas turbines 104 by changing the flow of chilled water to theair inlet 108 through instructions to the variablespeed drive control 132 that controls the discharge pumps 128.Computer 500 may also be used to control thechillers 116, to include the optional use of variablespeed drive control 132 for chiller pumps associated with thechillers 116 when charging the chilledwater storage tank 120. Although not shown inFIG. 5 , additional components of a gas turbine power plant incorporating one or more embodiments described herein may also be monitored bycomputer 500. - Referring now to
FIG. 6 , in at least one embodiment a gas turbinepower generation system 600 uses variablespeed pump controllers 132 with thechillers 116 to mitigate disturbing the temperature profile within the chilledwater storage tank 120. More specifically, while the discharge pumps 128 may be used to limit disturbance of the vertical temperature gradient within the chilledwater storage tank 120 during discharging, variable speeddrive pump controllers 132 can also be used to slowly start and stop the pumps associated with thechillers 116. - Referring now to
FIG. 7 , in at least one embodiment a gas turbinepower generation system 700 includes features in the event of maintenance to the discharge pumps 128 and/or the chilledwater storage tank 120, or for any reason in which the chilledwater storage tank 120 is not in use. For example, during certain times, such as certain seasons or even hours of the day, use of only thechillers 116 may be desired. For the gas turbinepower generation system 700, variable speeddrive pump controllers 132 can be connected to pumps associated with thechillers 116 and can be used to “tune” or adjust the output load of thegas turbines 104, as described further below. - Referring now to
FIG. 8 , in a separate embodiment, gas turbinepower generation system 800 is shown. As can be appreciated, some facilities do not include a chilledwater storage tank 120; however, they do operate with one ormore chillers 116. That is, depending upon the location of a specific gas turbine facility, local/regional energy demand, physical site constraints, financial constraints, climatic conditions, and/or other factors, the operation and use of a chilledwater storage tank 120 may not be feasible. However, variable speed drive pump controllers can still be used advantageously to “tune” or adjust the output of the gas turbines. As shown inFIG. 8 , variable speeddrive pump controllers 132 can be operably connected to pumps associated with thechillers 116, where variable speed drive pumping can be used to tune the output load of thegas turbines 104. Where a plurality ofchillers 116 are used, they may be operated in parallel or in series. Other embodiments described herein may also utilizechillers 116 operated in parallel or in series, depending upon the climate and ambient conditions. - In at least one embodiment, the speed with which the discharge pumps 128 are operated is tied to the rate of temperature change at the
air inlet 108 of thegas turbines 104. More particularly, the flow rate of chilled water provided by the discharge pumps 128 is adjusted to prevent a relatively quick change in the temperature of the air at theair inlet 108, thereby limiting thermal stress or combustion imbalance or instability in thegas turbines 104. Alternatively, the flow rate of chilled water provided by the discharge pumps 128 is adjusted to suit the variable load conditions. Here, the flow rate of the chilled water from the discharge pumps 128 is adjusted to accommodate the variable load conditions necessary to match the power demand. Factors involved in modifying the flow rate of the chilled water include the temperature of the chilled water being provided to theturbines 104, the temperature of the ambient air at theair inlet 108, and the load needed to meet the power demand. By changing the flow rate of the chilled water to thegas turbines 104, the efficiency of thegas turbines 104 is influenced, thereby changing the load conditions provided by the gas turbines. - Referring now to
FIG. 9 , in accordance with another embodiment, aleak detection system 900 is employed to detect leakage of chilled water through one or more of thecoils 112. More specifically, a condensate/leakage collection drain 904 is located in fluidic communication with a condensate/leakage collection surface 908 situated below thecoils 112. If thecoils 112 leak, fluid from thecoils 112 gravity flows from the condensate/leakage collection drain 904 to a condensate/leakage detection sump 912, wherein the fluid is sensed by a leakagedetection sensor device 916. By way of example and not limitation, theleakage detection sensor 916 may comprise a device for sensing electrical conductivity associated with the chilled water that collects at the leakage collection location. Alternatively, theleakage detection sensor 916 may incorporate optical elements. One type of optics-related leak detector uses a TRASAR® Xe-2 Controller having a xenon flashlamp. The TRASAR® Xe-2 Controller is made by Nalco Company of Naperville, Ill. Aleak detection controller 920 is used to communicate results of the leak detection sensing to alert facility personnel, such as by providing information tocomputer 500. It is to be understood that other types of leak detectors may be used in accordance with the present embodiment, including, but not limited to, other types of optical leak sensors, infrared sensors, and temperature sensors. - Water collected in the
drain 904 associated with thecoils 112 that is generated as condensate off of thecoils 112 can be recycled within the facility. In the event that a leak is detected byleak detection controller 920 because of, for example, detection resulting from aleakage detection sensor 916 sensing electrical conductivity associated with the chilled water, and/or by using a detector to sense at least one detectable additive yielding a detectable fluorescent signal, such as a TRASAR® brand additive by Nalco Company added to the water within the chilled water system, the water can be appropriately handled and thecoils 112 further investigated for a leak and repaired. - With reference now to
FIG. 10 , and in accordance with at least one embodiment, amethod 1000 for operating a chilled water storage system for a gas turbine power plant is provided. Atstep 1004, themethod 1000 includes providing agas turbine 104, anair inlet 108 withcoil 112, a chilledwater storage tank 120, a chiller (with pump) 116, adischarge pump 128 andconveyance piping 124. Atstep 1008, themethod 1000 further includes providing a variablespeed drive control 132 for thedischarge pump 128. Atstep 1012, the chilledwater storage tank 120 and the conveyance piping 124 are filled with water. Atstep 1016, relatively warm water is pumped from the chilledwater storage tank 120 to thechiller 116, with cold water then pumped back to the chilledwater storage tank 120. Atstep 1020, the variablespeed drive control 132 is instructed to slowly start thedischarge pump 128. Atoptional step 1024, the variablespeed drive control 132 is instructed to adjust the flow rate of thedischarge pump 128.Step 1024 may optionally be performed to tune the output of electrical power generated by thegas turbine 104 to match demand needs. Here, the energy stored within the chilledwater storage tank 120 in the form of chilled water is metered from the chilledwater storage tank 120 to thecoil 112 by the variablespeed drive control 132 anddischarge pump 128 to achieve output/electricity generation and efficiency goals. Atstep 1028, the variablespeed drive control 132 is instructed to stop thedischarge pump 128.Steps 1016 though 1028 are typically repeated on a daily basis, and thus constitute a method within thelarger method 1000. - The rate of stopping the
discharge pump 128 may vary from the rate of starting thedischarge pump 128. Not all of the steps above are necessarily required. For example, the method may not includestep 1024 for adjusting the flow rate of thedischarge pump 128 because the output of thegas turbine 104 may not need to be tuned. - Other steps for one or more method embodiments may include instructing variable
speed drive control 132 associated with thechillers 116, wherein such instructions could pertain to flow rates associated with filling the chilledwater storage tank 120 or instructions for flow rates for thechillers 116 to directly provide thecoils 112 with chilled water at different rates to influence the output of thegas turbine 104. - Yet additional and/or alternate steps to one or more method embodiments may include monitoring of the
leakage detection sensor 916 associated with detection of water leakage from thecoils 112. - A gas turbine facility with an approximately 4,000,000 gallon chilled water storage tank utilizes multiple 125 hp centrifugal discharge pumps controlled by PUMPSMART® brand electrical controls to achieve variable speed drive control of the discharge pumps. The discharge pumps are engaged at an initial slow speed and increased with time, thereby mitigating mixing of water within the chilled water storage tank. The insulated above-ground 4,000,000 gallon chilled water storage tank was approximately 64 feet tall with an inside diameter of approximately 105 feet. The operating height of water Hw in the chilled water storage tank varied between about 62.5 feet and 63.5 feet, with the height variance being attributable to changes in the height of water within the chilled water storage tank when transitioning between the recharge and discharge modes. A thermocline having a vertical height Ht of approximately 4 to 6 ft is present within the insulated above-ground 4,000,000 gallon chilled water storage tank during at least portions of the discharge cycle. Diffuser piping provides laminar flow with Reynold's Numbers of approximately 2634 for an inner ring of the diffuser piping and approximately 1521 for an outer ring of the diffuser piping. Under typical conditions, two discharge pumps operate at a combined flow rate of approximately 11,000 gpm when providing chilled water to the coils at air inlets associated with two MITSUBISHI brand, ‘F’ Class natural gas tired combustion turbine/generators. A leakage detection system is used to monitor whether the coils have leaked chilled water. The leakage detection system includes a TRASAR® Xe-2 Controller for sensing TRASAR® brand additive within the water used in the chilled water system.
- Although embodiments herein have been described as using water, a different liquid with appropriate characteristics other than water may be used. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, secondary containment and/or double-walled piping with appropriate monitoring may be required depending upon the liquid used.
- Various values described in this document are exemplary and are not intended to be limiting. Other values (and/or ranges of values) different than those described herein may be appropriate under a given set of conditions, and are considered to be encompassed by the scope of the one or more present inventions.
- The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.
- The one or more present inventions, in various embodiments, include components, methods, processes, systems and/or apparatus substantially as depicted and described herein, including various embodiments, subcombinations, and subsets thereof. Those of skill in the art will understand how to make and use the present invention after understanding the present disclosure.
- The present invention, in various embodiments, includes providing devices and processes in the absence of items not depicted and/or described herein or in various embodiments hereof, including in the absence of such items as may have been used in previous devices or processes (e.g., for improving performance, achieving ease and/or reducing cost of implementation).
- The foregoing discussion of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. The foregoing is not intended to limit the invention to the form or forms disclosed herein. In the foregoing Detailed Description for example, various features of the invention are grouped together in one or more embodiments for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into this Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate preferred embodiment of the invention.
- Moreover, though the description of the invention has included description of one or more embodiments and certain variations and modifications, other variations and modifications are within the scope of the invention (e.g., as may be within the skill and knowledge of those in the art, after understanding the present disclosure). It is intended to obtain rights which include alternative embodiments to the extent permitted, including alternate, interchangeable and/or equivalent structures, functions, ranges or steps to those claimed, whether or not such alternate, interchangeable and/or equivalent structures, functions, ranges or steps are disclosed herein, and without intending to publicly dedicate any patentable subject matter.
Claims (8)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US12/822,016 US8950191B2 (en) | 2009-07-02 | 2010-06-23 | System and method for gas turbine chilled water storage discharge control and/or gas turbine output control |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US22280009P | 2009-07-02 | 2009-07-02 | |
US12/822,016 US8950191B2 (en) | 2009-07-02 | 2010-06-23 | System and method for gas turbine chilled water storage discharge control and/or gas turbine output control |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20110001324A1 true US20110001324A1 (en) | 2011-01-06 |
US8950191B2 US8950191B2 (en) | 2015-02-10 |
Family
ID=43412214
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US12/822,016 Active 2033-09-18 US8950191B2 (en) | 2009-07-02 | 2010-06-23 | System and method for gas turbine chilled water storage discharge control and/or gas turbine output control |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US8950191B2 (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20120215362A1 (en) * | 2011-02-22 | 2012-08-23 | Stagner Joseph C | Energy Plant Design and Operation |
Families Citing this family (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US10120103B2 (en) * | 2015-12-30 | 2018-11-06 | International Business Machines Corporation | Intelligent/autonomous thermocline mapping and monitoring for marine and freshwater applications |
Citations (16)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4418527A (en) * | 1980-04-21 | 1983-12-06 | Schlom Leslie A | Precooler for gas turbines |
US4897551A (en) * | 1988-04-11 | 1990-01-30 | Spectral Sciences, Inc. | Leak detector |
US5381860A (en) * | 1993-09-28 | 1995-01-17 | Dirrecktor Tes Systems, Inc. | Thermal energy storage system for a cool water air conditioning system |
US5465585A (en) * | 1994-06-16 | 1995-11-14 | Trigen Energy Corporation | Method of low-temperature stratified chilled water storage |
US6318065B1 (en) * | 1999-08-06 | 2001-11-20 | Tom L. Pierson | System for chilling inlet air for gas turbines |
US6318066B1 (en) * | 1998-12-11 | 2001-11-20 | Mark J. Skowronski | Heat exchanger |
US20020007663A1 (en) * | 1997-01-24 | 2002-01-24 | Mainstream Engineering Corporation | Method of introducing an in situant into a vapor compression system, especially useful for leak detection, as well as an apparatus for leak detection and a composition useful for leak detection |
US20020112527A1 (en) * | 2000-06-28 | 2002-08-22 | Nadin David A | Detection of fluid leak sites in fluid containers |
US6647763B1 (en) * | 2002-03-21 | 2003-11-18 | The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Navy | Optical vacuum leak detection device and method |
US20060218931A1 (en) * | 2003-09-01 | 2006-10-05 | Alstom Technology Ltd. | Method for injecting a liquid mist into an intake duct |
US20060266976A1 (en) * | 2005-05-27 | 2006-11-30 | Minor Barbara H | Compositions comprising bromofluoro-olefins and uses thereof |
US7287381B1 (en) * | 2005-10-05 | 2007-10-30 | Modular Energy Solutions, Ltd. | Power recovery and energy conversion systems and methods of using same |
US20080041792A1 (en) * | 2006-08-18 | 2008-02-21 | Martin Crnkovich | Wetness sensor |
US7343746B2 (en) * | 1999-08-06 | 2008-03-18 | Tas, Ltd. | Method of chilling inlet air for gas turbines |
US7428818B2 (en) * | 2005-09-13 | 2008-09-30 | Gas Turbine Efficiency Ab | System and method for augmenting power output from a gas turbine engine |
US7478561B2 (en) * | 2004-06-11 | 2009-01-20 | Hutchinson | Method of fitting a sensor in a hydraulic circuit, and rigid pipe of the said circuit provided with such a sensor |
-
2010
- 2010-06-23 US US12/822,016 patent/US8950191B2/en active Active
Patent Citations (17)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4418527A (en) * | 1980-04-21 | 1983-12-06 | Schlom Leslie A | Precooler for gas turbines |
US4897551A (en) * | 1988-04-11 | 1990-01-30 | Spectral Sciences, Inc. | Leak detector |
US5381860A (en) * | 1993-09-28 | 1995-01-17 | Dirrecktor Tes Systems, Inc. | Thermal energy storage system for a cool water air conditioning system |
US5465585A (en) * | 1994-06-16 | 1995-11-14 | Trigen Energy Corporation | Method of low-temperature stratified chilled water storage |
US20020007663A1 (en) * | 1997-01-24 | 2002-01-24 | Mainstream Engineering Corporation | Method of introducing an in situant into a vapor compression system, especially useful for leak detection, as well as an apparatus for leak detection and a composition useful for leak detection |
US6318066B1 (en) * | 1998-12-11 | 2001-11-20 | Mark J. Skowronski | Heat exchanger |
US6470686B2 (en) * | 1999-08-06 | 2002-10-29 | Tom L. Pierson | System for chilling inlet air for gas turbines |
US6318065B1 (en) * | 1999-08-06 | 2001-11-20 | Tom L. Pierson | System for chilling inlet air for gas turbines |
US7343746B2 (en) * | 1999-08-06 | 2008-03-18 | Tas, Ltd. | Method of chilling inlet air for gas turbines |
US20020112527A1 (en) * | 2000-06-28 | 2002-08-22 | Nadin David A | Detection of fluid leak sites in fluid containers |
US6647763B1 (en) * | 2002-03-21 | 2003-11-18 | The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Navy | Optical vacuum leak detection device and method |
US20060218931A1 (en) * | 2003-09-01 | 2006-10-05 | Alstom Technology Ltd. | Method for injecting a liquid mist into an intake duct |
US7478561B2 (en) * | 2004-06-11 | 2009-01-20 | Hutchinson | Method of fitting a sensor in a hydraulic circuit, and rigid pipe of the said circuit provided with such a sensor |
US20060266976A1 (en) * | 2005-05-27 | 2006-11-30 | Minor Barbara H | Compositions comprising bromofluoro-olefins and uses thereof |
US7428818B2 (en) * | 2005-09-13 | 2008-09-30 | Gas Turbine Efficiency Ab | System and method for augmenting power output from a gas turbine engine |
US7287381B1 (en) * | 2005-10-05 | 2007-10-30 | Modular Energy Solutions, Ltd. | Power recovery and energy conversion systems and methods of using same |
US20080041792A1 (en) * | 2006-08-18 | 2008-02-21 | Martin Crnkovich | Wetness sensor |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20120215362A1 (en) * | 2011-02-22 | 2012-08-23 | Stagner Joseph C | Energy Plant Design and Operation |
US8903554B2 (en) * | 2011-02-22 | 2014-12-02 | The Board Of Trustees Of The Leland Stanford Junior University | Energy plant design and operation |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US8950191B2 (en) | 2015-02-10 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US11879391B2 (en) | Method and apparatus for cooling the ambient air at the inlet of gas combustion turbine generators | |
US6318065B1 (en) | System for chilling inlet air for gas turbines | |
US6769258B2 (en) | System for staged chilling of inlet air for gas turbines | |
Cai et al. | Experimental evaluation on thermal performance of an air-cooled absorption refrigeration cycle with NH3–LiNO3 and NH3–NaSCN refrigerant solutions | |
JP2014534387A (en) | Liquefied gas treatment system and method | |
US20150292810A1 (en) | Thermal energy storage system comprising a combined heating and cooling machine and a method for using the thermal energy storage system | |
EP2853839A1 (en) | Hot water supply system and control method thereof | |
JP2018537650A (en) | Thermal server plant and control method thereof | |
US8950191B2 (en) | System and method for gas turbine chilled water storage discharge control and/or gas turbine output control | |
KR20130143219A (en) | Electrical power generation and seawater desalination system using solar energy | |
CN108101356B (en) | Method and system for online cooling of optical fiber drawn wire | |
KR100633238B1 (en) | Heating storage system for several heat storage-tank in one network | |
JP2014202150A (en) | Hot spring heat power generation system | |
Venkatesan et al. | A desalination method utilising low-grade waste heat energy | |
Ebeling et al. | Peaking gas turbine capacity enhancement using ice storage for compressor inlet air cooling | |
JP4975171B2 (en) | Fuel supply device | |
CN107421172A (en) | A kind of anti-cavitation system of frequency conversion refrigerated medium pump entrance and its control method | |
US9920692B2 (en) | Cooling systems and methods using pressurized fuel | |
CN106403357A (en) | Energy-saving refrigerating device | |
EP2498027A1 (en) | A condenser for a pump hot air/water with accumulation of hot water strata | |
CN205503203U (en) | Modularization low temperature waste heat power generation system | |
Byrd et al. | In-situ charge determination for vapor cycle systems in aircraft | |
CN2872221Y (en) | Type II lithium-bromide absorbing hot-pump set with condenser liquid-level inspector | |
Pengo | Test results of a 1.2 kg/s centrifugal liquid helium pump for the ATLAS superconducting Toroid Magnet System. Pengo R., Junker S., Passardi G., Pirotte O., ten Kate H. LHC Division, CERN, CH-1211 Geneva 23 Switzerland | |
BR112020006532B1 (en) | COMPACT POWER PLANT AND METHOD FOR POWER PRODUCTION |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: BICENT POWER LLC, MARYLAND Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:LANDIS, FRANK;NOLAN, JIM;REEL/FRAME:024584/0138 Effective date: 20100105 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: BARCLAYS BANK PLC, NEW YORK Free format text: SECURITY AGREEMENT;ASSIGNOR:BICENT POWER LLC;REEL/FRAME:026966/0089 Effective date: 20110913 Owner name: BARCLAYS BANK PLC, NEW YORK Free format text: SECURITY AGREEMENT;ASSIGNOR:BICENT POWER LLC;REEL/FRAME:026962/0844 Effective date: 20110913 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, MASSACHUSETTS Free format text: SECURITY AGREEMENT;ASSIGNOR:BARCLAYS BANK PLC;REEL/FRAME:027472/0613 Effective date: 20111230 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: BICENT POWER LLC, COLORADO Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNORS:U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION;BARCLAYS BANK PLC;REEL/FRAME:028830/0478 Effective date: 20120821 Owner name: BICENT POWER LLC, COLORADO Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:BARCLAYS BANK PLC;REEL/FRAME:028830/0450 Effective date: 20120821 Owner name: WILMINGTON TRUST, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, MINNESOTA Free format text: SECURITY AGREEMENT;ASSIGNOR:BICENT POWER LLC;REEL/FRAME:028832/0359 Effective date: 20120821 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: BICENT POWER LLC, NEW YORK Free format text: TERMINATION AND RELEASE OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY;ASSIGNOR:WILMINGTON TRUST, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION;REEL/FRAME:030946/0270 Effective date: 20130801 |
|
STCF | Information on status: patent grant |
Free format text: PATENTED CASE |
|
MAFP | Maintenance fee payment |
Free format text: PAYMENT OF MAINTENANCE FEE, 4TH YR, SMALL ENTITY (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: M2551) Year of fee payment: 4 |
|
MAFP | Maintenance fee payment |
Free format text: PAYMENT OF MAINTENANCE FEE, 8TH YR, SMALL ENTITY (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: M2552); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: SMALL ENTITY Year of fee payment: 8 |